Bradenton: Bradenton City Council Meeting, March 25, 2026
Summary. The Bradenton City Council held its regular meeting on March 25, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by proclamations for Autism Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Day. During citizen comment, residents spoke about ongoing issues with Cottonmouth restaurant's outdoor dining area and music operations in the Village of the Arts, with staff indicating they are working through permitting and compliance issues. The council approved a comprehensive consent agenda including fire department union contracts, various service agreements, and infrastructure projects. Major items included adoption of a five-year wastewater utility fiscal initiative plan totaling $159.6 million and approval to solicit a $10 million tax-exempt revolving line of credit for utility bridge financing. The council also passed an ordinance establishing procedures for certified recovery residences and approved the sale of surplus city property at 1108 2nd Street West for $52,000 to fund affordable housing initiatives.
Agenda Items
1. Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month
Mayor Brown proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month, accepted by representatives from Responding to Autism organization
- Recognition of autism spectrum disorder challenges
- Appreciation for community inclusion efforts
- Praise for Bradenton's welcoming approach to all residents
2. Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Day
Mayor Brown proclaimed April 8, 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Day, accepted by Centerstone and SART team representatives
- Statistics on sexual assault and AI-related exploitation
- Services provided by Centerstone rape crisis center
- Upcoming 'No Voice Unheard' event on April 8th
3. Citizen Comment
Public comment period focusing on Cottonmouth restaurant issues
- Cottonmouth restaurant back dining area closure
- Permitting issues with rear structures
- Noise complaints about music in Village of the Arts
- Police response to noise complaints
6. Consent Agenda (Items B-R)
Approval of multiple administrative items including fire union contracts and infrastructure projects
- Fire department union contracts with competitive compensation
- Advanced life support training for firefighters
- Kingston Estate water main improvements
- Various service agreements and contracts
7a. Recovery Residences Ordinance (Second Reading)
Second reading and public hearing for ordinance establishing procedures for certified recovery residences
- Compliance with state mandates
- Integration with existing group care home regulations
- Reasonable accommodation process
- Special use permitting requirements
8a. Property Sale - 1108 2nd Street West
Approval of contract to sell surplus city property for $52,000 to fund affordable housing
- Property marketed for three years
- Funds to go to affordable housing fund
- Improved marketing process with Urban Group
- Buyer intends to build residence
8b. Tax-Exempt Revolving Line of Credit
Approval to solicit $10 million line of credit for utility bridge financing
- Bridge financing for construction projects
- Gap between project expenses and grant reimbursements
- Need for financial agility
- Future debt policy development
8c. Five-Year Wastewater Utility Plan
Adoption of $159.6 million wastewater infrastructure plan through 2030
- Plan prepared by Woodard and Curran
- $259 million additional funding wait-listed
- City ranked #1 for additional state funding
- Covers wastewater only, not drinking water or stormwater
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve consent agenda items B through R
Moved by Councilwoman Barnaby, seconded by Vice Mayor Coker
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve ordinance 4,069 regarding certified recovery residences
Moved by Councilman Schuessler, seconded by Councilwoman Coachman
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve contract for purchase and sale of 1108 2nd Street West
Moved by Councilwoman Coachman, seconded by Councilwoman Barnaby
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve soliciting tax-exempt revolving line of credit
Moved by Councilman Schuessler, seconded by Councilwoman Moore
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve resolution 2,630 adopting five-year wastewater utility fiscal initiative plan
Moved by Councilwoman Barnaby, seconded by Vice Mayor Coker
Passed 5-0
Motion to engage with Dr. Tomasco for environmental consulting services
Moved by Councilwoman Barnaby, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Work with Cottonmouth restaurant on permitting and compliance issues for outdoor dining area
Assigned to Robin Singer and Development Review Committee
Develop comprehensive debt policy for city financial operations
Assigned to Rob Perry and Finance Department
Begin process to solicit $10 million revolving line of credit
Assigned to Rob Perry and Finance Department
Proceed with Kingston Estate water main improvements project
Assigned to Public Works Department · Due 180 days estimated completion
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Bradenton City Council held its regular meeting on March 25, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by proclamations for Autism Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Day. During citizen comment, residents spoke about ongoing issues with Cottonmouth restaurant's outdoor dining area and music operations in the Village of the Arts, with staff indicating they are working through permitting and compliance issues. The council approved a comprehensive consent agenda including fire department union contracts, various service agreements, and infrastructure projects. Major items included adoption of a five-year wastewater utility fiscal initiative plan totaling $159.6 million and approval to solicit a $10 million tax-exempt revolving line of credit for utility bridge financing. The council also passed an ordinance establishing procedures for certified recovery residences and approved the sale of surplus city property at 1108 2nd Street West for $52,000 to fund affordable housing initiatives.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month; Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Day; Citizen Comment; Consent Agenda (Items B-R); Recovery Residences Ordinance (Second Reading); Property Sale - 1108 2nd Street West; Tax-Exempt Revolving Line of Credit; Five-Year Wastewater Utility Plan.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
10 members were recorded as present: Gene Brown, Vice Mayor Coker, Councilwoman Barnaby, Councilman Schuessler, Councilwoman Moore, Councilwoman Coachman, Rob Perry, Robin Singer, City Clerk, Nilsa Taylor.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Bradenton in?
Bradenton is located in Manatee County, Florida. Browse other Manatee County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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